| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Laurel/100k people | Maryland/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,535 | n/a (estimate) | 5,255 | 2,470 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 2 | n/a | 6.8 | 7.2 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 7 | n/a | 24.0 | 33.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 38 | n/a | 130.1 | 123.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 68 | n/a | 232.8 | 257.0 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 115 | n/a (estimate) | 394 | 420 | 359 |
| Burglary | 58 | n/a | 198.6 | 190.0 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 1,096 | n/a | 3,752.3 | 1,446.8 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 266 | n/a | 910.7 | 412.8 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 1,420 | n/a (estimate) | 4,862 | 2,050 | 1,760 |
Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Laurel crime rate is higher than the national average by 148%. Specifically, there were 115 violent crimes in Laurel, equivalent to 394 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 9.6%. Furthermore, Laurel recorded 1420 property crimes, amounting to 4862 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 176.2%.
With a crime rate of 5255 per 100,000 residents, Laurel has a crime rate that is 147.98% higher than the national average. This results in one of the highest total crime rates in the entire country. This does not necessarily mean that the entire city is unsafe. As with any area, there are some pockets in Laurel that are much safer than others. A little research will go a long way in determining which areas could potentially offer a safer living environment.
The violent crime rate in Laurel closely mirrors the national average among all cities that reported crime, with 394 incidents per 100,000 people. The national average for violent crime per 100,000 people was 359. This consistency highlights Laurel as a community where safety standards are in line with the broader national landscape, providing residents with a reliable sense of security.
Laurel faces some of the nation's most elevated property crime rates, recording 4862 incidents per 100,000 people. This places the city among the worst 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Regrettably, the likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Laurel stands at 1 in 21, significantly surpassing the national average. These statistics underscore the imperative need for bolstered community safety measures to mitigate property crimes and enhance the well-being of its residents.
The occurrence of vehicle thefts has been increasing nationwide, and Laurel faces one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the United States. In the latest reported crime year, there were a reported 266 vehicle thefts, translating to 911 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Laurel in the bottom 10% among all cities, signifying that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The likelihood of experiencing a vehicle theft is 1 in 110.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Laurel residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 54 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 41% of Laurel residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 59% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Laurel a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Laurel crime rate is 148% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 4.21 crimes per day - 0.32 violent crimes and 3.89 property crimes.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Laurel has increased by 52%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Laurel, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has decreased by 6.5%, while property crime has increased by 60.1%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Laurel is a safe place to live.
Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. Laurel, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 4.6%, which differs from the national average of 4.9%.
High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Laurel, the cost of living is 24.54% higher than the national average.
In Laurel, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 3.13 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.
| Item | Laurel | Maryland | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 80 | 5,343 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.1 | 3.3 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Maryland /100K | National /100K |
| Maryland | 7,370 | 135 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Highland, MD | 1,126 | 59 | 288 | 347 |
| Martin's Additions, MD | 1,119 | 59 | 288 | 347 |
| Crownsville, MD | 1,506 | 59 | 288 | 347 |
| Chevy Chase View, MD | 1,184 | 59 | 288 | 347 |
| Kensington, MD | 2,290 | 66 | 322 | 387 |
| Chevy Chase town, MD | 3,037 | 66 | 322 | 387 |
| Chevy Chase, MD | 3,039 | 66 | 322 | 387 |
| Laurel, MD | 26,740 | 394 | 4,862 | 5,255 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Lemoore, CA | 26,733 | 412 | 1,082 | 1,494 |
| Terrytown, LA | 26,731 | 535 | 2,364 | 2,899 |
| Woodburn, OR | 26,769 | 275 | 2,893 | 3,169 |
| West Whittier-Los Nietos, CA | 26,704 | 541 | 2,312 | 2,853 |
| Prosper, TX | 26,777 | 54 | 999 | 1,053 |
| Laurel, MD | 26,740 | 394 | 4,862 | 5,255 |
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